Did you know one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems? Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 40 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires. (National Fire Protection Association and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
Tips to help reduce the likelihood of a Christmas tree fire occurring:
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from all heat sources, such
as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heating vents
or lights. - Make sure the base is steady so the tree won’t tip over easily.
- Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
- Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry trees out rapidly.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Did you know electrical problems were factors in one-third (32 percent) of home Christmas tree fires? (National Fire Protection Association and International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
Tips to reduce the chances of a fire due to lighting:
- Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are designed specifically for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp and breakable, and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
- Avoid decorations that resemble candy or food, as they may tempt a young child to put them in their mouth.
Tips to prevent a candle from causing a home fire:
- Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
- Think about using flameless candles in your home, as they are much safer, and look and smell like real candles.
Did you know that in 2012 over 2.1 million burglaries occurred in the U.S.? Almost 75 percent of these occurred at residences. (Federal Bureau of Investigation)
Home security tips for the holidays:
- If you plan to travel, don’t discuss your plans with strangers.
- Have a trusted friend or neighbor keep an eye on your home.
- Do not leave empty boxes in front of the residence as they alert thieves to attractive items in the home.
- Use your home burglar alarm system.
Did you know that heating was the second leading cause of all residential building fires following cooking? Confined fires, those fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners, accounted for 87 percent of residential building heating fires. (U.S. Fire Administration and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)
Tips to stay safe with using a fireplace:
- Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of any flammable materials.
Check to see that the flue
is open. - Have the chimney professionally inspected annually and cleaned as necessary.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
- Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the residence.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM FARMERS INSURANCE - THE WERTZBERGER AGENCY
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